Surgical forceps and latching system

ABSTRACT

A surgical forceps comprising: a first working arm and a second working arm configured to move towards and away from each other; and an electromagnetic latching system; wherein the electromagnetic latching system is configured to create a force that is in a direction aligned with closing of the forceps or opposite to the closing of the forceps when an electromagnetic activation button is depressed.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to surgical forceps with a latchsystem that secures the forceps in an open position, a closed position,or assists in biasing the forceps, and more specifically surgicalforceps that are configured as an electrosurgical device with anelectromagnetic latching system.

BACKGROUND

Typically, surgical forceps have one configuration where theelectrosurgical device performs a single function. More recently,forceps have been introduced as electrosurgical devices that can beswitched between two configurations and can apply two different therapycurrents. These devices have a configuration where the device isconfigured as forceps and can be used to grip anatomical features andincludes a configuration where the device can be uses as a surgicalpencil. The surgeon in using these devices apply pressure to the forcepsand may be required to hold the pressure for several seconds to aminute. By repeatedly gripping and holding the forceps closed thesurgeon's fingers may become tired or strained. Further in order toswitch between the forceps configuration and the pencil configurationthe surgeon is required to close the forceps while locking the device inthe pencil configuration, which adds further strain to the surgeon'shands. Finally, while using the forceps to grip items the amount offorce required to move the forceps may be hard for some surgeons andrelatively easy for other surgeons. This may result in some surgeonsthinking that the forceps are mushy and other surgeons thinking that theforceps are too rigid.

Examples of some electrosurgical instruments may be found in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,110,171; 6,113,596; 6,190,386; 6,358,268; and 7,232,440; and U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0113827; 2005/0187512;2006/0084973; 2012/0123405; 2014/0276795; and 2014/0276799 all of whichare incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. It would beattractive to have an electrosurgical device includes a latching systemthat assists in holding the device in a closed position. It would beattractive to have an electrosurgical device that selectively closes theforceps and grips an anatomical feature while a therapy current is beingapplied. What is needed is an electrosurgical device that includes anelectromagnetic latching system that assists in closing or opening theelectrosurgical device while the electrosurgical device is configured asforceps. What is needed is an electrosurgical device that includes anelectromagnetic latching system that selectively moves the forceps sothat the amount of grip strength required to open and close the forcepscan be varied for each user. What is needed is an electrosurgical devicethat used one or more electromagnetic latches to move the arms of theforceps so that the arms are opened, closed, locked, unlocked, or acombination thereof.

SUMMARY

The present teachings meet one or more of the present needs byproviding: A surgical forceps comprising: a first working arm and asecond working arm configured to move in a direction that is towards andaway from each other in a manner that creates a resilient moving force;an electromagnetic latching system; wherein the electromagnetic latchingsystem is configured to create one or more of the following: (i) a forcethat is superimposed upon the resilient moving force so that the forcebiases the first working arm, the second working arm, or both in adirection of the resilient moving force when an electromagneticactivation button is depressed; (ii) an adjustable force that issuperimposed upon the resilient moving force when an electromagneticactivation button is depressed; (iii) a force that is superimposed uponthe resilient moving force so that the force biases the first workingarm, the second working arm, or both in an opposite direction as theresilient moving force when an electromagnetic activation button isdepressed; or (iv) a force that latches the first working arm and secondworking arm together and a bipolar current that extends between thefirst working arm and the second working arm when a first activationbutton is energized.

Another possible embodiment of the present teachings comprises: asurgical forceps comprising: a first working arm and a second workingarm configured to move towards and away from each other; and anelectromagnetic latching system; wherein the electromagnetic latchingsystem is configured to create a force that is in a direction alignedwith closing of the forceps or opposite to the closing of the forcepswhen an electromagnetic activation button is depressed.

The teachings herein provide an electrosurgical device includes alatching system that assists in holding the device in a closed position.The teachings herein provide an electrosurgical device that selectivelycloses the forceps and grips an anatomical feature while a therapycurrent is being applied. The teachings herein provide anelectrosurgical device that includes an electromagnetic latching systemthat assists in closing or opening the electrosurgical device while theelectrosurgical device is configured as forceps. The teachings hereinprovide an electrosurgical device that includes an electromagneticlatching system that selectively moves the forceps so that the amount ofgrip strength required to open and close the forceps can be varied foreach user. The teachings herein provide an electrosurgical device thatused one or more electromagnetic latches to move the arms of the forcepsso that the arms are opened, closed, locked, unlocked, or a combinationthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an electrosurgical device in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates the electrosurgical device of FIG. 1 in a secondconfiguration;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an electrosurgical device including anelectromagnetic latching system in a proximal position;

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of forceps including a biasing device,and an electromagnetic latching system in a distal position;

FIG. 4B. illustrates a side view of forceps including an electromagneticlatching system in a distal position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an electrosurgical device includingelectromagnetic latching system in a proximal position and a distalposition;

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a securing mechanism connectingtwo working arms;

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of a securing mechanism connectingtwo working arms; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of a securing mechanism connectingtwo working arms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/039,506, filed on Aug. 20, 2014, the contents ofwhich are both incorporated by reference herein in their entirety forall reasons. The present teachings generally relate to surgical forceps.The forceps may function to grip, hold, squeeze, or a combinationthereof one or more objects. The forceps may include one or more fingergrips (i.e., configured like scissors) that may be used to move theforceps so that the forceps may be used to grip one or more objects. Theforceps may be free of finger grips and be actuated by direct pressurebeing applied to opposing sides of the forceps so that the forceps closeand grip an object. The forceps include at least two working arms (e.g.,a first working arm and a second working arm).

The working arms (or jaws) may function to grip, hold, squeeze, or acombination thereof an object when the object is between the two or moreopposing working arms. The working arms may include one or more grippingfeatures that may assist in gripping, holding, squeezing, or acombination thereof an object. The working arms may be generallystraight. The working arms may be arcuate or include an arc. The workingarms may be flexible. The working arms may include a bow that may becompressed during gripping and may assist moving the working arms apart,may create a resilient moving force, or both. The working arms may bemovable between two or more positions. Preferably, the working arms aremovable between at least a first position and a second position. Forexample, the working arms may be movable between a bipolar configuration(e.g., first position) and a monopolar configuration (e.g., secondposition). The working arms may be used in electrosurgery and may beused to apply power to one or more features of interest. The workingarms in the first position may be off, energized, one working arm may beenergized, or a combination thereof. The working arms in the secondposition may be off, one or both of the working arms may be electricallydisconnected, one or both of the working arms may be electricallyconnected, one working arm may be shorted by the other working arm, or acombination thereof. More preferably, in the second position the workingarms are immobilized so that the working arms cannot be used a forceps.The working arms may be longitudinally static and moveable relative toeach other. The working arms may be longitudinally moveable and may bemoveable relative to each other so that a gripping force may be created.For example, the working arms when in a bipolar configuration may bothbe extended and then retracted so that a blade electrode (i.e., a pointon the blade where energy enters or exits the blade) may be exposedforming a monopolar configuration (i.e., longitudinally movable).Preferably, the working arms are longitudinally static and laterallymovable (i.e., movable towards and away from each other). The workingarms may be rotationally static (i.e., may not rotate about theirlongitudinal axis). The working arms may be movable so that tip regionsof the working arms are moved into contact with each other.

The working arms include a tip region. The tip regions function to gripfeatures of interest, apply power to features of interest, or both. Thetip region may include a portion that is configured to assist infacilitating gripping, holding, squeezing, or a combination thereof.Additionally, the tip region may be configured in one or moreelectrosurgical configurations (e.g., a monopolar configuration, bipolarconfiguration, or a combination of both). The tip region may be thedistal most portion of the working arms. Each of the working arms mayinclude an electrode (e.g., a first working arm includes a firstelectrode and the second working arm includes a second electrode). Thetip region may include teeth, serrations, mouse teeth, be free of teeth(i.e., smooth), or a combination thereof. The tip region may be fullyand/or partially insulated. Preferably, the tip region includesinsulation on the non-contact portions of the working arms so thatelectrosurgical energy is not transferred through incidental contact.The working arms may include an active portion and an inactive portion(i.e., an insulated portion). Each of the working arms may be connectedby a central section, a pivot point, movable connection, or acombination thereof.

The central section may function create a central connection location, amovable connection, or both between the working arms. The centralsection may connect to an end of each working arm and the working armsmay extend cantilever from the central section. The central section maybe a portion that the user grips. The central section may be a main bodyportion of a handpiece. The central section may include a pivot point, apivot pin, a movable connection, or a combination thereof that theworking arms rotate about. The central section may be located between aproximal end and distal end of the handpiece, surgical forceps,electrosurgical device, or a combination thereof.

The handpiece may be any part of the device that the user grips, thathouses one or more of the control buttons, one or more switches, one ormore electrical connectors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors,or a combination thereof. The handpiece may house all or a portion ofthe control circuitry, a central processing unit, or both. The handpiecemay house or include an electromagnetic latching system, securingmechanism, one or more electromagnetic latches, or a combinationthereof. The handpiece may electrically connect the electrosurgicaldevice, the electrical system, the surgical forceps, or a combinationthereof to the generator or a power source. The handpiece may bothphysically connect the functional elements of the electrosurgical deviceand electrically connect the elements of the electrosurgical device.Preferably, the handpiece is the portion of the forceps that a surgeongrips. More preferably, the handpiece is a central portion that includesboth buttons and one or more electrical connectors for supplying powerto the forceps, electrosurgical device, the working arms, the blade,electromagnetic latching system, electromagnetic activation buttons, ora combination thereof. The handpiece may include one or more movablemembers, one or more handpiece components, one or more electromagneticlatches, one or more movement mechanism, or a combination thereof.

The one or more activation buttons may function to control one or morefunctions of the electrosurgical device. The one or more activationbuttons may control the bipolar power, the monopolar power, a bipolarcut setting, bipolar coagulation setting, a therapy current, rotation ofthe blade, rotation of the monopolar electrode, the electromagneticlatching system, the first electromagnetic latch, the secondelectromagnetic latch, or a combination thereof. The one or moreactivation buttons may be one or more electromagnetic activationbuttons. The one or more electromagnetic activation buttons may move theworking arms apart, together, or both. The one or more electromagneticactivation buttons may lock the working arms in a predeterminedposition. The one or more electromagnetic activation buttons may belocated on a top of the forceps, electrosurgical device, handpiece, or acombination thereof where a user does not grip. The electromagneticactivation buttons may be located in a gripping region. Theelectromagnetic activation buttons may be located in the gripping regionso that the user may move the forceps without the electromagneticlatching system, but may activate the electromagnetic latching systemwithout any repositioning or movement on the forceps, electrosurgicaldevice, handpiece, or a combination thereof. The electromagneticactivation buttons may be located in the gripping section and may varythe magnitude of force applied depending on the amount of force appliedby a user. For example, the more pressure a user applies to the forcepsthe more pressure the electromagnetic latching system may apply. Themagnitude of force applied by the electromagnetic latching system may beirrelevant to the amount of pressure applied to the electromagneticactivation buttons. The one or more electromagnetic activation buttonsmay control the amount of force required to move the working arms. Forexample, the working arms without the electromagnetic latching systemmay require 30 N of force to close. One of the electromagneticactivation buttons may vary this force by assisting the surgeon inmoving the working arms. For example, the amount of force required maybe reduced from 30 N of force to 10 N of force to move the working arms.The magnitude of force applied by the electromagnetic latching systemmay be varied by a measured impedance. The activation button thatassists in adjusting the amount of force required to move the workingarms may be a selector switch, but is preferably a dial that allows auser to increase or decrease the amount or magnitude of assistanceprovided. The handpiece, forceps, electrosurgical device, or acombination thereof may include only one electromagnetic activationbutton, but preferably includes a plurality of electromagneticactivation buttons. In addition to including electromagnetic activationbuttons the forceps, electrosurgical device, handpiece, or a combinationthereof may include a plurality of activation buttons. The plurality ofactivation buttons may be a first activation button and a secondactivation button. The one or more buttons may be exposed and/orunlocked by the shuttle as the shuttle moves, the blade moves, or bothto and/or from a monopolar configuration to a bipolar configuration orvice versa. For example, the monopolar activation button may only beexposed when the shuttle, blade, or both are in the monopolarconfiguration. The monopolar activation button, the bipolar activationbutton, or both may turn on power to the respective electrode so thatpower is supplied to the area of interest. The activation buttons may bea toggle control button. The toggle control button may toggle between acut mode, a coagulation mode, or both. The toggle control button maychange modes of the forceps. The toggle control button may togglebetween different strengths of the electromagnetic latching system(i.e., an amount of force applied by the electromagnetic latchingsystem). The surgical forceps may include power and may be part of anelectrosurgical device.

The electrosurgical device and associated componentry may be part of anelectrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system may be any systemthat includes one or more of the devices taught herein. Preferably, theelectrical surgical system includes at least an electrosurgical device.The electrosurgical system may include one or more handpieces as taughtherein, one or more ground pads, one or more generators, one or moreelectrosurgical devices, one or more adjacent handpiece components, oneor more surgical forceps, or a combination thereof and the teachingsherein of each device which are incorporated into the electrosurgicalsystem. The electrosurgical device may function to be used by a surgeonto perform a surgical procedure. The electrosurgical device may functionto be switched between two or more configurations, two or more states,or both. For example, the electrosurgical device may be switched betweena monopolar configuration, a bipolar configuration, anon-electrosurgical configuration, an intermediate configuration, or acombination of the four. The electrosurgical device may be any devicethat may be switched between two or more configurations with one hand sothat a user may switch between the configurations without the need for asecond hand, without disrupting the procedure, or both. Theelectrosurgical device may be any device and/or configuration that maybe used ambidextrously, ambidextrously switched between configurations,or both. The electrosurgical device may be used to cut, performhemostasis, coagulate, desiccate, fulgrate, electrocautery, or acombination thereof. The electrosurgical device may be any device thatincludes bipolar capabilities, monopolar capabilities,non-electrosurgical capabilities, or a combination thereof. Theelectrosurgical device may be used in open surgery. In addition to itselectrosurgical capabilities the electrosurgical device may be used fornon-electrosurgical purposes. For example, the electrosurgical devicemay be used as forceps, tweezers, or both that may be used to grip anobject, an organ, a vein, skin, tissue, the like, or a combinationthereof. In another example, one or more parts of the device may includea sharp edge and may be used to cut, similar to that of a scalpel. Theelectrosurgical system may include a handpiece and a generator. One ormore therapy signals may extend between the handpiece and the generator;be created by the generator and provided to the handpiece, surgicalforceps, electrosurgical device, or a combination thereof forapplication to location of interest; or both.

The one or more therapy signals may be a signal, power, continuity, or acombination thereof. The one or more therapy signals may extend from thehandpiece to the generator or vice versa. The one or more therapysignals may be formed by the handpiece, formed by the generator, orboth. The electrosurgical therapy signals may be a therapy current.Preferably, the electrosurgical therapy signals indicate that a user hasperformed a step and a signal is being transmitted so that therapycurrent, energy, or both is generated. The electrosurgical therapysignals may provide a signal so that one or more therapy currents areproduced and the therapy currents may be used for electrosurgery. Theelectrosurgical therapy signal may be a monopolar therapy signal, abipolar therapy signal, or both. The monopolar therapy signal may be anysignal that has a voltage differential between a return port and anactive port in the generator. The monopolar therapy signal may be anysignal that when applied by the electrosurgical device extends from onepole of an electrosurgical device to another pole located at a remotelocation (e.g., a remote electrode or ground pad), off of theelectrosurgical device, off the handpiece, or a combination thereof. Thebipolar therapy signal may be any signal that has a voltage differentialbetween two leads that are connected to the electrosurgical device, thatare located in the generator, or both. The bipolar therapy signal may beany signal that when applied by the electrosurgical device extends fromone component of a handpiece to another component of the handpiece(e.g., between two working arms, from a blade electrode to one or bothworking arms, or both). An electrosurgical therapy signal may exit thehandpiece so that a therapy current extends from a blade electrode,between the first working arm and the second working arm, between theblade electrode and one or both of the working arms, or a combinationthereof. The therapy signal may be generated and conducted between thehandpiece to the generator.

The generator may be any device that supplies power, a therapy current,control signals, an electrosurgical therapy signal, electronicallyreconfigures itself in response to a signal from the user, physicallyreconfigures in response to adjustments by the user, or a combinationthereof. The generator may function to be electrically connected to ahandpiece to provide and/or receive electrosurgical therapy signals,power, therapy current, electromagnetic energy (i.e., energy that powersthe electromagnetic latching system) or a combination thereof. Thegenerator may be capable of producing only a single therapy current. Thegenerator may be capable of producing two therapy currents. Thegenerator may include two or more power connections, three or more powerconnections, or four or more power connections. The generator mayinclude one or more switches that may be switched between one or more ofthe power connections so that power, signals, or both may be selectivelyapplied to the electrosurgical device based upon a desired configurationof the electrosurgical device. The generator may include a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a series of internal switching, or both. The CPU,internal switching, or both may be used to switch the electrosurgicaldevice between a first configuration, a second configuration, a thirdconfiguration, a monopolar configuration, a bipolar configuration, anon-electrosurgical configuration, or a combination thereof. The twoopposing working arms may be configured as forceps and each working armmay include an active portion.

The active portion may function to apply power. The active portion maybe the same portion as the contact regions of the forceps. Thus, forexample, when tissue is grasped between the contact portions of theforceps, power may be supplied to the tissue through this contactportion. The active portion of the working arms preferably is betweenthe two opposing working arms and the active portion of the blade (i.e.,blade electrode) is the portion that extends beyond the working arms,flush with the distal ends of the working arms, or both. The activeportions may be substantially surrounded by inactive portions orportions that are insulated. The inactive portion may be any portionthat does not supply power, that is insulated, or both. The inactiveportion may be any portion that may transfer power through incidentalcontact and thus are insulated so that incidental transfer of power doesnot occur and/or stray current is prevented. The inactive portion may bean insulating material, a housing, or both.

The working arms may be located within a housing. The housing may be anypart of the device that may include one or more working arms and begripped by a user during use. The housing may electrically connect,mechanically connect, or both the two working arms. The housing may be amovable connection (e.g., a pivot point) so that the two working armsmay be moved when the housing is compressed. The housing maysubstantially surround the working arms so that only the tip regions(e.g., electrodes) extend out of the housing and are exposed. Thehousing may surround an outer side of the working arms and an inner sideof the working arms may be exposed so that as the blade is extendedbetween the two working arms, the blade contacts one or both of theworking arms, or both. The housing may include a gripping portion. Thegripping portion, upon an application of pressure, may close the workingarms and upon a release of pressure the working arms may return to anopen position. The gripping portion may assist the user in holding theelectrosurgical device like a pencil or probe. The gripping portion mayinclude one or more electromagnetic activation buttons. Theelectrosurgical device may include an outer housing and an internalhousing. The internal housing may include, surround, encapsulate,encase, house, or a combination thereof, one or more internal featuresof the electrosurgical device. The housing may be electrically connectedto a power source and provide power to each of the working arms. Thehousing may be electrically insulating. The housing may include one ormore movable connections (e.g., hinges and/or one or more hingeportions).

The one or more movable connections when configured as hinges mayfunction to connect rigid pieces, impart flexibility into the workingarms, the handpiece, the electrosurgical device, preferably the forceps,or a combination thereof. The one or more movable connections whenconfigured as hinges may function as a pivot point as discussed herein.The one or more hinges may function to impart movement into the housingof the forceps while allowing the housing to substantially cover thecomponents of the forceps. There may be a hinge on only one working arm,a hinge on each working arm, or a hinge that connects the working arms.The housing of the forceps may include a rigid section, a stationarysection, a movable section, a flexible hinge section, or a combinationthereof. The rigid section, the stationary section, or both may be on aproximal end of the electrosurgical device (i.e., closest to the user).The rigid section or stationary section (e.g., central section) may notmove when the working arms are moved. The hinge may create a pivot pointfor a movable section to rotate about or move about. The hinge may be aconnection point for a deflecting beam. For example, the working armsmay form a cantilever connection and the working arms may move about theconnection so that the working arms may be moved together, moved apart,or both. The movable section may function to move so that a grippingforce, a gripping movement, or both are created. The movable section maycover all or a portion of the working arms. The working arms may be themovable section of the forceps. The movable section may connect to astationary section or a rigid section and the movable section may moverelative to the stationary section, the movable section, or both. Only atip of the working arm may extend beyond the movable section of thehousing. The movable section may be substantially rigid but may moveabout a movable connection so that the section is movable and/orflexible. For example, the movable section of the working arm itself maynot be flexible but the arm may move about the movable connection sothat the arm is movable. The movable section may be the portion of theforceps that is moved during use and the movable section may moverelative to a stationary section, a rigid section, or both about themovable connection.

The movable connection may function to allow a hinging action, movementback and forth (i.e., lateral direction), or both. The movableconnection may create a force (e.g., a biasing force) that opposes agripping of the forceps so that the forceps default open or to a neutralposition; is in the direction of gripping so that the forceps defaultclosed or to a neutral position; or a combination of both. The neutralposition may be where the working arm are spread apart with a gapbetween the working arms or the arms are closed. The movable connectionmay create the resilient moving forces. The movable connection may befree of generating forces or storing energy. For example, the movableconnection may allow for movement of components and a biasing device maymove the components. The movable connection may create a pivot pointthat opposes a rigid connection or a rigid portion (e.g., centralsection). The movable connection may include a pin that one or both ofthe working arms rotate or move about. The movable connection may befree of a pin. The movable connection may be a location of deflectionsuch as a deflecting beam or a cantilever segment that deflects. Therigid section may remain static while the movable section moves aboutthe rigid section. The rigid section may form a side of the movableconnection that anchors the movable section so that the movable sectionmay move, flex, pivot, or a combination thereof. The movable section maybe any shape so that the movable section moves. The movable section maybe restrained my one or more securing mechanism, one or moreelectromagnetic latching systems, or both.

The one or more immobilization arms, one or more immobilizationfeatures, or both may be any feature of the housing, the working arms,or both that may immobilize one or both working arms when the forcepsare moved to a monopolar configuration, when the forceps are gripping afeature of interest, or both. The immobilization arms may be connectedto the housing and extend between one or both of the working arms andwhen the blade is advanced the immobilization arms are separated and theworking arms are moved into contact with each other and secured. Theimmobilization arms may be connected to the housing and extend betweenone or both of the working arms and when the blade is advanced theimmobilization arms are compressed, pushed together, or both and theworking arms are moved into contact with each other and secured. Theimmobilization arms may be one example of a securing mechanism that maybe used to mechanically lock or secure the working arms in a closedposition. The housing, the working arms, or both may be free ofimmobilization arms.

The two or more working arms may be immobilized by one or more securingmechanisms, the one or more electromagnetic latching systems, or both.The one or more securing mechanism, electromagnetic latching systems, orboth may be an immobilization feature. The immobilization feature may beany feature that connects the two or more working arms together so thatthe arms are immobilized in the monopolar configuration, so that theforceps are disabled, or both. The immobilization features may be partof the arms, part of the housing, all or a part of the shuttle, or acombination thereof. The immobilization features may include a trackthat extends along all or a portion of each arm and as the shuttle ismoved forward or backward to the monopolar configuration, each track mayextend into communication with the shuttle so that each of the workingarms are moved into contact with each other and vice versa from thebipolar configuration. The immobilization feature may be a piece thatslides and compresses the working arms, a piece that twists and radiallycompresses the working arms, or a combination of both. Theimmobilization feature may be a wedge that extends between two featuresof the forceps and prevents movement of the working arms. Theimmobilization feature while being moved and immobilizing may move ablade, may extend a blade between the working arms, or a combination ofboth. The immobilization features are one example of a securingmechanism.

The securing mechanism may function to lock the first working arm andthe second working arm so that the first working arm and the secondworking arm are not movable relative to each other. The securingmechanism may lock a blade between the first working arm and the secondworking arm. The securing mechanism may be laterally movable with theworking arms and may form a connection any time the working arms arepressed together. The securing mechanism may mechanically, electrically,or both connect the first working arm to the second working arm. Thesecuring mechanism may directly or indirectly connect the first workingarm and the second working arm together. For example, a device mayextend between the first working arm and the second working arm andprevent the working arms from moving relative to each other. Thesecuring mechanism may include features on the first working arm, thesecond working arm, or both. The securing mechanism may include one ormore devices that extend from the first working arm to the secondworking arm. The securing mechanism may be an electromagnetic latchingsystem.

The electromagnetic latching system functions to move the working armsrelative to each other, lock the working arms, reduce an amount (i.e.,magnitude) of force required to move the working arms, increase anamount of force required to move the working arms, or a combinationthereof. The electromagnetic latching system may act as a biasingdevice. The electromagnetic latching system may use magnets to move theworking arms. The electromagnetic latching system may use a magneticfield to move the working arms or assist in moving the working arms. Theelectromagnetic latching system may be all “on,” or all “off.”Preferably, the electromagnetic latching system provides an adjustableamount of force. The amount (i.e., magnitude) of force applied may be inthe same direction and/or an opposing direction as the resilient movingforce of the working arms. The amount (i.e., magnitude) of force appliedmay be superimposed (i.e., superposition of forces) upon the resilientmoving force of the working arms. The superposition of forces maylaterally to move the working arms together, laterally to move theworking arms apart, laterally to assist a user in moving the workingarms apart or together. The superposition of forces may act only when anelectromagnetic activation button is depressed. The resilient movingforce may be a force that moves the working arms apart from each otheruntil they reach a neutral state, toward each other until they reach aneutral state, or both. For example, the resilient moving force may begenerated by a biasing device or the elasticity of the working armselastically deforming to the neutral state. The resilient moving forcemay move the jaws apart or open the jaws (i.e., resilient openingforce), move the jaws towards each other or close the jaws (i.e.,resilient closing force), or both. The resilient moving force may varydepending upon a direction or magnitude of a force moving the firstworking arm, the second working arm, or both. The resilient moving forcemay be a force that is caused by storing energy as an external force isapplied. The resilient moving force may be a mechanical force that iscreated by movement of the working arms from a neutral state. Theresilient moving force may created by a bias device, a movableconnection, or both. The electromagnetic latching system may beadjustable by adjusting the strength of the electromagnetic fieldprovided by one or both of the working arms. The magnitude of forceapplied to the working arms may be varied by the electromagneticlatching system. As discussed herein all magnitudes are discussed in thepositive. For example, the working arms are moved towards each other orare moved away from each other. Although these directions are opposingdirections, the directions are both recited as a positive magnitude. Themagnitude of force applied by the electromagnetic latching system may bevaried based upon an impedance measurement, impedance calculation, orboth. The magnitude of force may be based upon a measurement ofimpedance of tissue held between the first working arm and the secondworking arm. As the impedance increases or decreases the amount of forceapplied may be increased or decreased. Preferably, as the impedanceincreases the amount of force applied increases. The electromagneticlatching system may not apply any forces when off and the forceps may beused normally without any increase or decrease of forces by the forceps.The electromagnetic latching system may include one or moreelectromagnetic latches and preferably a plurality of electromagneticlatches.

The one or more electromagnetic latches may function to move the workingarms relative to each other or to prevent movement of the working armsrelative to each other. The electromagnetic latches may assist in movingthe working arms relative to each other. The electromagnetic latches mayonly work when power is applied. The electromagnetic latches may receivepower and create an electric field that assists in moving the workingarms. The electromagnetic latches may be located in the first workingarm, the second working arm, or both working arms. A plurality ofelectromagnetic latches may be located in the first working arm, thesecond working arm, or both. The electromagnetic latches may be locatedacross from a magnetic material so that only one electromagnetic latchis needed per device. For example, the electromagnetic latch may belocated in the first working arm and a material that attracts or repelsthe electromagnetic latch may be located across from the electromagneticlatch so that when the electromagnetic latch is activated the workingarms are moved relative to each other. The material that attracts orrepels may be any material that is affected by magnetic fields. Thematerial may be iron, nickel, cobalt, iodestone, ainico, or acombination thereof. The electromagnetic latch may include a power coilthat when activated creates an electromagnetic field. The power appliedto the electromagnetic latch may be a first polarity to move the workingarms towards each other and in a second polarity to move the workingarms apart from each other. The power applied to the electromagneticlatch may be increased or decreased to increase or decrease themagnitude of force applied by the electromagnetic latch. The magnitudeof force applied by the electromagnetic latch may be increased ordecreased by turning on or off one or more of the electromagnets locatedwithin each electromagnetic latch. Each electromagnetic latch mayinclude one or more electromagnets. Each electromagnetic latch mayinclude a plurality of electromagnets. For example, each electromagneticlatch may include 5 electromagnets and depending on the variable settingby the user only 1, 2, or 3 or more of the electromagnetic may beactivated. In a full power setting all 5 magnets may be activated. Inanother example, each working arm may include a coarse electromagneticlatch that is always in operation and a fine electromagnetic latch maybe turned on that provides for fine adjustment of the amount of forcebeing applied. The electromagnetic latch may lock the working armstogether, the blade between the working arms, or both. Theelectromagnetic latch may lock the working arms to the blade so that theworking arms and the blades are all immobilized. The electromagneticlatch may move the working arms so that a mechanical latch may lock theworking arms together using one or more mechanical devices. The one ormore devices may be a resilient tongue that extends from the firstworking arm to the second working arm.

The resilient tongue may function to extend between and connect thefirst working arm and the second working arm together. The resilienttongue may prevent movement of the first working arm relative to thesecond working arm. The resilient tongue may only be extendable when theblade is retracted, extended, not present, or a combination thereof. Theresilient tongue may flex and extend through a slot in the opposing armto form the connection. The resilient tongue may partially extendthrough a slot in an opposing working arm. The resilient tongue may haveanother tongue that extends from a main portion of the resilient tongueand the tongue may form a connection with a latch and this connectionmay prevent movement of the working arms relative to each other.

The tongue may function to connect or lock the first working arm withthe second working arm. The resilient tongue may include one or moretongues. The resilient slider may include a plurality of tongues so thatthe working arms may be locked in different positions so that the lockedposition between the first working arm and the second working arm isselectable. The plurality of tongues may allow for the working arms tobe selectively positioned relative to each other or the force betweenthe working arms to be selectively chosen. The tongue may form aconnection with a slot, a latch slider, an edge of a latch slider, orboth. The tongue may project substantially perpendicular to theresilient tongue and form a catch. The tongue may have an angled portionand a flat portion. The angled portion may allow for one way movement.The flat portion may prevent movement of the tongue in a direction(e.g., the working arms laterally apart). The tongue may extend througha slot in an opposing arm.

The slot may function to permit all or a portion of the resilient tongueto extend therethrough to create a locked relationship. The slot may beon an edge of the working arm. The slot may be square, rectangular,circular, oval, symmetrical, non-symmetrical, or a combination thereof.The slot may allow for a tongue to catch a wall of the slot to preventmovement of the working arms. The slot may receive a latch slider andpermit the latch slider to prevent movement of the working arms, while aportion of the resilient tongue extends through the slot.

The latch slider may function to restrict movement of the first workingarm and the second working arm together. The latch slider may contact aportion of the tongue, resilient tongue, or both and prevent movement ofthe working arms relative to each other. The latch slider may movebetween one or more tongues so that the tongues provide selectivelocking between the first working arm and the second working arm. Thelatch slider may laterally move, longitudinally move, rotationally move,or a combination thereof to permit the working arms to be selectivelylocked, released, or both. The latch slider may be a movement mechanism.The movement mechanism may release the forceps from a locked state. Themovement mechanism may be a latch slider. The latch slider may contactan edge of the tongue and prevent the tongue and working arms frommoving away from each other. The latch slider may assist in the securingmechanism being a selectable mechanical latch. The latch slider andsecuring mechanism may be used in lieu of or in addition to an armsecuring mechanism. However, the electrosurgical device may be free ofany securing mechanisms and may include only arm securing mechanism. Thelatch slider, resilient tongue, securing mechanism, or a combinationthereof, may prevent movement of the blade, lock the blade in place inaddition to the working arms, be free of interference with the blade sothat the blade may be actively moved, or a combination thereof.

The blade may function to apply monopolar power during a procedure,apply bipolar power, that may be longitudinally movable, rotationallymovable, extendable, retractable, a mechanical cut, or a combinationthereof. The blade may be static. The blade may have a first position(e.g., retracted), a second position (e.g., flush with distal ends ofthe working arms), and a third position (e.g., extended beyond thedistal ends of the working arms). The first position may be where theblade is located relative to the working arms so that the working armsare past (i.e., distal) the blade (e.g., the blade is retracted so thatthe working arms extend past the blade or the working arms are extendedso that the working arms extend past the blade). The second position maybe where the distal end of the blade is substantially flush with thedistal ends of the working arms (all of the distal ends are within about3 mm or less, about 2 mm or less, about 1 mm or less, preferably in astraight line (i.e., about 0 mm)). The second position may have theblade located between the working arms and all three may be aligned tocreate a probe. The third position may be where the blade is locatedrelative to the working arms so that the blade is extended beyond theworking arms (e.g., the blade is extended so that the working arms arelocated proximate to the user relative to a distal end of the blade orthe working arms are retracted so that the blade extends beyond theworking arms). The third position may be where the blade is electricallyconnected, supplies a therapy current, is electrically continuous, or acombination thereof. The blade may be moved by a shuttle, a firstslider, a second slider, or a combination thereof.

The shuttle may function to cover one or more activation buttons, moveone or more activation arms, move the blade, moves one or both workingarms, immobilizes and/or electrically disconnects one or more featuresof the electrosurgical device, immobilizes one or more activationbuttons, impedes movement and/or depression of one or more activationbuttons, move one or more immobilization arms, one or moreelectromagnetic activation buttons, or a combination thereof. Theshuttle may connect two or more sliders. The first and second slider maymove the working arms, blade, or both between the various positions andconfigurations discussed herein. The shuttle may be a slider assemblythat moves the blade. The shuttle, the working arms, or both may bemoved or prevented from moving by one or more bias devices.

The bias device may be any device that may act to move, retract,advance, a combination thereof one or more components of theelectrosurgical device. For example, the bias device may move theworking arms to a neutral state when compressed to grip or spread apartto increase the distance between working arms. In another example, thebias device may assist in longitudinally moving the blade. The biasdevice may be an integral part of the forceps, the working arms, orboth. For example, the working arms may be a deflecting beam and thisdeflection may act as a bias device that returns the working arms to aneutral state. The bias device may bias when placed in tension, incompression, or both. The bias device may be a wrap spring that may beplaced in tension or in compression. The bias device may wrap around apin in the pivot point. The bias device may extend between two workingarms. The bias device may act to separate the working arms of theelectrosurgical device when in the bipolar configuration. The biasdevice may push the blade and/or shuttle forward into a monopolarconfiguration, pull the blade and/or shuttle back from a monopolarconfiguration, or a combination thereof. The bias device may ensure thatthe shuttle, blade, working arms, monopolar electrode, blade, or acombination thereof are in a fully extended and/or fully retractedstate. For example, if a user moves a shuttle towards a forward positionand stops short, the bias device may complete the movement to the nextposition or a final position. The bias device may assist in moving anyof the devices and/or features discussed herein so that the devicesand/or features are bi-stable or multi-stable. For example, the biasdevice may ensure that the blade is always in one of the positionsdiscussed here such as fully extended, flush, or fully retracted and notlocated therebetween. The bias device may be a spring, a piece ofrubber, an elastomeric piece, a bend in metal that forms a bias surface,or a combination thereof. If the bias device is bent metal the metal maybe bent forming more than one plane. The first plane may contact a firstsurface and the second arm may contact a second surface so that twoopposing electrosurgical components are moved. Preferably, the biasdevice is a spring that may be stretched and compressed. The bias devicemay be connected to the blade, a shuttle, between the working arms, or acombination thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts an electrosurgical device 10 comprising a forceps 20 witha central section 26 from which a first working arm (or jaw) 22 having adistal end 46 and a second working arm (or jaw) 24 having a distal end48 and an advanceable blade 32. A cord 38 extends from the proximal end28 of the central section 26 and connects the electrosurgical device 10to an electrosurgical generator (not shown). The first working arms 22and the second working arm 24 are biased apart from each other. The usercan apply finger pressure on the first working arms 22 and the secondworking arm 24 to cause them to approach each other so as to grasptissue (not shown). The first working arm 22 and second working arm 24include a first electrode 42 and a second electrode 44. A firstactivation button 52 is located on the central section 26. When the userdepresses the first activation button 52 the generator (not shown) canprovide a first electrosurgical signal. For example, when the userdepresses the first activation button 52 the generator produces abipolar electrosurgical signal and delivers the bipolar electrosurgicalsignal to the first electrode 42 and the second electrode 44 to producea bipolar current that passes between the first electrode 42 and thesecond electrode 44. The characteristics of this electrosurgical currentsuch as voltage, current, power, frequency, and duty cycle, may beconfigured specifically to coagulate tissue held between the firstworking arm 22 and second working arm 24. An advanceable blade 32 islocated between the first working arm 22 and the second working arm 24.The blade 32 is shown in a first configuration 100 (e.g., bipolarconfiguration) in which the blade 32 is fully retracted to a proximalposition where the distal end 36 is located inside of the distal ends46, 48 of the working arms 22, 24. In the first configuration 100 thefirst working arm 22 and the second working arm 24 are free to move in adirection 21 towards each other. The blade 32 is connected to a firstslider 34, which is configured as a shuttle 90, that slides the blade 32distally and proximally along the forceps 20 (see FIG. 2 for a distalposition) and locks the working arm together. When the first slider 34is in its distal position the blade 32 is advanced to an advancedposition (FIG. 2). When the first slider 34 is in a proximal positionthe blade 32 is retracted to a retracted position (FIG. 1). When thefirst slider 34 is in the proximal position the first working arm 22with the first electrode 42 and the second working arm 24 with thesecond electrode 44 are movable toward each other in the direction 21 togrip tissue (not shown) there between. The electrosurgical device 10includes an electromagnetic latching system 120 that biases the workingarms 22, 24 when the electromagnetic activation button 130 is depressed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the blade 32, which includes a blade electrode 30, ina second configuration 102 (e.g., monopolar configuration) which is apartially advanced position (e.g., the distal end of the blade issubstantially flush with the distal ends of the working arms). The bladeelectrode 30 is advanced so that its distal end 26 is flush, orsubstantially flush, with the distal ends 46, 48 of the first workingarm 22 and the second working arm 24. Flush means for the blade to beextended so that the distal end 36 of the blade 32 is aligned with thedistal ends 46, 48 of the first working arm 22 and the second workingarm 24 or for the distal end 36 of the blade electrode 32 to extendslightly beyond the distal ends 46, 48 of the working arms 22, 24. Thetotal amount of the extension may be approximately 3 mm or less. Atoggle control button 55 is exposed by the slider 34 when in its forwardposition. When the slider 34, which is shown as a shuttle 90, is in aproximal position the exposed cut and coagulation buttons are configuredto provide, for example, monopolar cut and monopolar coagulation andwhen the slider 34 is in a distal position the exposed cut andcoagulation buttons 52, 54 may be configured to provide, for example,bipolar cut and bipolar coagulation. The electrosurgical device 10includes an electromagnetic latching system 120 that biased the workingarms 22, 24 to the closed position the electromagnetic activation button130 was depressed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an electrosurgical device 10 thatincludes forceps 20 with a first working arm 22 and a second working arm24. The forceps 20 include an electromagnetic latching system 120 thatassists in biasing the first working arm 22 and the second working arm24 towards each other, away from each other, or both. As shown, theelectromagnetic latching system 120 has a first electromagnetic latch122 in the first working arm 22 and a second electromagnetic latch 124in the second working arm 24 with both of the electromagnetic latchesbeing located behind (i.e., proximal) a movable member shown as a pivotpoint 128. During operation the first electromagnetic latch 122 isrepelled from the second electromagnetic latch 124 so that a grippingforce is created and the polarity may be reversed so that the firstelectromagnetic latch 122 and the second electromagnetic latch 124 areattracted to each other and the jaws are opened. The electromagneticlatching system 120 moves the forceps in the direction 126 when theelectromagnetic activation button 130 is depressed. A bias device 25 islocated between the first working arm 22 and the second working arm 24.The bias device 25 biases the first working arm and the second workingarm so that a neutral position is maintained between the working arms22, 24 when no external forces are being applied such as by theelectromagnetic activation buttons 130.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of an electrosurgical device 10 thatincludes forceps 20 with a first working arm 22 and a second working arm24. As shown, the electromagnetic latching system 120 has a firstelectromagnetic latch 122 in the first working arm 22 and a secondelectromagnetic latch 124 in the second working arm 24, with both theelectromagnetic latches being located in front (i.e., distal) of a pivotpoint 128. During operation the first electromagnetic latch 122 isattracted to the second electromagnetic latch 124 so that a grippingforce is created and the polarity may be reversed so that the firstelectromagnetic latch 122 and the second electromagnetic latch 124 arerepelled from each other and the jaws are opened. The electromagneticlatching system 120 moves the forceps in the direction 126 when theelectromagnetic activation button 130 is depressed. A bias device 25 islocated between the first working arm 22 and the second working arm 24.The bias device 25 biases the first working arm and the second workingarm so that a neutral position is maintained between the working arms22, 24 when no external forces are being applied such as by theelectromagnetic activation buttons 130.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of an electrosurgical device 10 thatincludes forceps 20 with a first working arm 22 and a second working arm24. As shown, the electromagnetic latching system 120 has a firstelectromagnetic latch 122 in the first working arm 22 and a secondelectromagnetic latch 124 in the second working arm 24, with both theelectromagnetic latches being located in front (i.e., distal) of a pivotpoint 128. During operation the first electromagnetic latch 122 isattracted to the second electromagnetic latch 124 so that a grippingforce is created and the polarity may be reversed so that the firstelectromagnetic latch 122 and the second electromagnetic latch 124 arerepelled from each other and the jaws are opened. The electromagneticlatching system 120 moves the forceps in the direction 126 when theelectromagnetic activation button 130 is depressed. As shown the workingarms 22, 24 have a resilient opening force and the working arms 22, 24open without an application of any external forces.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an electrosurgical device 10 includingforceps 20 with a first working arm 22 and a second working arm 24 thatare connected together by a pivot point 128. An electromagnetic latchingsystem 120 is located distal of the pivot point 128 and one is proximalof the pivot point. Each of the electromagnetic latching systems 120include a first electromagnetic latch 122, 122′ on the first working arm22 and a second electromagnetic latch 124, 124′ on the second workingarm 24. The electromagnetic latching systems 120 move the forceps 20 inthe direction 126. During operation, one of the electromagnetic latchingsystems 120 provide course control (or a constant force) and the secondof the electromagnetic latching system provide fine control (or avariable control to vary the amount of force required by the user). Forexample, the first set of electromagnetic latches (122, 124) may biasthe working arms towards and away from each other and the second set ofelectromagnetic latches (122′, 124′) may allow for the amount of forcerequired to be increased or decreased to accommodate a surgeon's desire.The electromagnetic latching system 120 assists in moving the workingarms 22, 24 in the directions 126 when the electromagnetic activationbutton 130 is depressed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a securing mechanism 70. The securing mechanism 70 islocated between the first working arm 22 and the second working arm 24so that the working arms are secured together. The securing mechanism 70includes a resilient tongue 82 that extends through a slot 83 in thesecond working arm 24. A tongue 84 extends from the resilient tongue 82and the tongue 84 contacts a front end of a latch slider 87 that extendsfrom a latch slider 86. The latch slider 86 is movable so that thetongue 82 and front end of the latch slider 87 are disconnected and thefirst working arm 22 and second working arm 24 are released so that theyare movable relative to each other.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first working arm 22 including a resilient tongue82 with a tongue 84 that extends from the resilient tongue 82. Thesecond working arm 24 includes a slot 83 that the resilient tongue 82extends through. The tongue 84 of the resilient tongue 82 is biased intocontact with an edge 85 of the slot 83 so that the first working arm andsecond working arm are connected together and the first working arm 22and second working arm 24 are secured together.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first working arm 22 and a second working arm 24that each include a portion of a securing mechanism 70. The firstworking arm 22 includes a resilient tongue 82 that has a movementmechanism 92 located on the outside and a tongue 84 located on theinside with a pivot point 128 there between. The second working arm 24includes a resilient tongue 82 with a latch slider 86 on the outside anda tongue 84 located on the inside. The tongue 84 of the first arm 22 andthe second arm 24 latch together to form a secure connection between thefirst working arm 22 and the second working arm 24 and the latch slider86 releases the secure connection so that the first working arm 22 andsecond working arm 24 are movable relative to each other.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

We claim:
 1. A surgical forceps comprising: a first working arm and asecond working arm configured to move in a direction that is towardseach other and a direction away from each other, and the first workingarm and the second working arm are movable in the direction towards eachother or the direction away from each other, in a manner that creates aresilient moving force; an electromagnetic latching system including twoor more electromagnetic latches; wherein the electromagnetic latchingsystem is configured to create a force that is superimposed upon theresilient moving force, wherein the force comprises one or more of thefollowing: (i) the force biases the first working arm, the secondworking arm, or both in a direction of the resilient moving force; or(ii) the force biases the first working arm, the second working arm, orboth in an opposite direction as the resilient moving force; and whereina bipolar current extends between the first working arm and the secondworking arm and the force is created when a first activation button isenergized; and wherein the electromagnetic latching system has fineadjustment by a first of the two or more electromagnetic latchescreating the force and a second of the two or more electromagneticlatches creating one or more adjustable forces that are applied in asame direction, an opposite direction, or both as the force forming anadjusted force so that the adjusted force assists a user in moving thefirst working arm and the second working arm together or apart.
 2. Thesurgical forceps of claim 1, wherein the surgical forceps are configuredto measure impedance of tissue held between the first working arm andthe second working arm and the force is based upon a measurement of theimpedance of the tissue held between the first working arm and thesecond working arm.
 3. The surgical forceps of claim 1, wherein the twoor more electromagnetic latches are located in or on the first workingarm, the second working arm, or both.
 4. The surgical forceps of claim1, wherein the two or more electromagnetic latches are only located onthe first working arm and a magnetic material is located on the secondworking arm.
 5. The surgical forceps of claim 3, wherein two one or moreelectromagnetic latches are connected to power from a power source sothat when power is applied, each of the two or more electromagneticlatches create the force or the one or more adjustable forces so thatthe first working arm and second working arm are biased towards eachother; the first working arm and the second working arm are biasedapart; or both.
 6. The surgical forceps of claim 5, wherein the two ormore electromagnetic latches are two electromagnetic latches on thefirst working arm, the second working arm, or both.
 7. The surgicalforceps of claim 6, wherein the two or more electromagnetic latches arelocated on the first working arm, the second working arm, or both andthe first electromagnetic latch has a constant magnetic field and thesecond electromagnetic latch has a variable magnetic field so that anamount of force required to move the first working arm and secondworking arm apart, together, or both is variable by a user.
 8. Thesurgical forceps of claim 3, wherein the two or more electromagneticlatches are located on the first working arm, and a magnetic material islocated on the second working arm, wherein the two or moreelectromagnetic latches are connected to power so that when the power isapplied, the two or more electromagnetic latches create the force or theone or more adjustable forces and bias the first working arm and thesecond working arm.
 9. The surgical forceps of claim 1, wherein thefirst working arm and the second working arm include a neutral positionand when the first working arm and second working arm are moved towardseach other the resilient moving force is created by the first workingarm and the second working arm storing energy so that the first workingarm and second working arm return to the neutral position.
 10. Thesurgical forceps of claim 1, wherein a mechanical latch is located in oron the first working arm, the second working arm, or both and themechanical latch connects the first working arm and the second workingarm together so that the electromagnetic latching system can be turnedoff and the surgical forceps be retained in a closed position.
 11. Thesurgical forceps of claim 1, wherein the first working arm and secondworking arm are free to move in the direction towards each other so asto grasp tissue therebetween when the electromagnetic latching system isnot activated and energized, and the first working arm and secondworking arm are biased towards each other by the force when theelectromagnetic latching system is activated and energized.
 12. Thesurgical forceps of claim 1, wherein the force is adjusted by anadjustment element on the surgical forceps.
 13. A surgical forcepscomprising: a first working arm and a second working arm configured tomove towards and away from each other; and an electromagnetic latchingsystem including two or more electromagnetic latches; wherein theelectromagnetic latching system is configured to create a force that isin a direction aligned with closing of the forceps or opposite to theclosing of the forceps and a bipolar current that passes between thefirst working arm and the second working arm when an activation buttonis depressed and wherein the electromagnetic latching system has fineadjustment by a first of the two or more electromagnetic latchescreating the force and a second of the two or more electromagneticlatches creating one or more adjustable forces that are applied in asame direction, an opposite direction, or both as the force forming anadjusted force so that the adjusted force assists a user in moving thefirst working arm and the second working arm together or apart.
 14. Thesurgical forceps of claim 13, wherein the force by the electromagneticlatching system opposes the closing of the forceps.
 15. The surgicalforceps of claim 13, wherein the force by the electromagnetic latchingsystem is in a direction aligned with the closing of the forceps. 16.The surgical forceps of claim 1, wherein the resilient moving force iscreated by elasticity of the working arms elastically deforming to aneutral state.
 17. A surgical forceps comprising: a first working armand a second working arm configured to move in a direction that istowards each other and a direction away from each other and the firstworking arm and the second working arm are movable in the directiontowards each other or the direction away from each other, in a mannerthat create a resilient moving force; an electromagnetic latching systemincluding two or more electromagnetic latches; wherein theelectromagnetic latching system is configured to create a force thatlatches the first working arm and second working arm; wherein a bipolarcurrent extends between the first working arm and the second working armand the force is created when a first activation button is energized;and wherein the electromagnetic latching system has fine adjustment by afirst of the two or more electromagnetic latches creating the force anda second of the two or more electromagnetic latches creating one or moreadjustable forces that are applied in a same direction, an oppositedirection, or both as the force forming an adjusted force so that theadjusted force assists a user in moving the first working arm and thesecond working together or apart.
 18. The surgical forceps of claim 17,wherein the resilient moving force is created by elasticity of theworking arms elastically deforming to a neutral state.
 19. The surgicalforceps of claim 17, wherein the forceps include a dial that increasesor decreases an amount or magnitude of the force applied by the two ormore electromagnetic latches.